British Championship round #2: Sebergh 3 Peaks, 4.1m/1663' -Saturday 26th June

A very warm afternoon, 4.1m/1663' starting at the Peoples Hall above the town and traversing the three peaks of Winder (1551'), Arant Haw (1984') and Crook (1509'), before a steep descent to the finish by the hall.

The cloud cover that had been present earlier in the day had all but disappeared by the afternoon and the ladies race started at 2pm under the hot sun, followed by the men, one hour later at 3pm.

We were watching the ladies race on the climb of Winder where Pippa and Olivia Walwyn were taking up the pace at the head of the race to the extent that they had gapped the rest of the field at this point. Pip had a cracking descent and was a clear winner in the end by some margin -I didn't see the finish as between trying to warm-up and do a few strides I was seeking any shade I could find from the heat of the sun. Pippa was ably supported with good running from Julie, Holly, Jo, Hayley, and Kim.


Picture: Julie Carter -2nd counter in Keswick AC ladies 3rd placed team on Saturday, courtesy of Peter Thompson

The challenging course and conditions were coupled with a strong field contesting the men's race -the British championship now consisting of only 4 races with only one short-counter meant a stacked field and highly competitive racing. It was great to see the best of the resurgent Keswick AC mens team out for the race -myself, Chris Edis, John Nicoll experiencing a baptism of fire in his first Eng/Brit champs outing, Ian, Jamie and Chris Clark too. A good showing from the lads and tough race made for a great day, and very well done Pippa.


Picture: Gary Jones (Northumberland FR) chases Matthew Roberts (Eryri) and Steve Hebblethwaite, courtesy of Peter Thompson

Ladies:

1. Pippa Maddams (Keswick AC)-37:54
2. Claire Whitehead (Cosmic) -39:09
3. Olivia Walwyn (Altringham) -39:12

31. Julie Carter -46:27
39. Holly Williamson -47:07
53. Jo Gillyon -49:20
68. Hayley Hodgson -51:28
80. Kim Clark -54:31

Teams:
1. Eryri Harriers
2. Dark Peak
3. Keswick AC

Men:

1. Tim Davies (Mercia) -31:59
2. Rob Hope (Pudsey & Bramley) -32:20
3. Andrew Davies (Mercia) -32:27

38. Steve Hebblethwaite -35:55
80. Chris Edis -39:11
87. John Nicoll -39:55
106. Ian Davies -41:00
146. Jamie Luxmoore -43:46
227. Chris Clark -57:37

Video of Chris Thompson 3rd UK all-time 10,000m/Chris Solinsky USA record

There is a great video online here of the amazing 10,000m at the 2010 Payton Jordan Invitational meeting at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California last month, where american Chris Solinsky ran a time of 26:59.60 to break the American Record by 13 seconds, in the same race that AFD athlete Chris Thompson ran 27:29.61 to go to 3rd on the UK all-time ranking.

Simply stunning running, and a very entertaining video with some fantastically excited but knowledgeable commentary too.

In an interview following todays UK Championship 5000m and Euro Trials, Thompson indicated that like Mo Farah, he may double up the 5000 and 10,000 at the European Championships next month in Barcelona. The BBC coveage of this weekends UK Champs action, including the womens 1500m final on day one, and Chris Thompson in the mens 5000m final on day two is available on the BBC iPlayer for the next 7 days.

Sedbergh 3 Peaks

I see from The FRA Forum that Pippa won yesterday's British Championship race.... if so, Well done Pippa, you are a star!!. How did the rest of our club get on?.

Athletics on TV

The UK Championships and European Trials being held at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham this weekend will be televised live today and tomorrow. Coverage starts this afternoon at 16:00 on BBC2, withfurther coverage of the final day tomorrow at 17:30 on BBC 2 -set your video recorders.

The opening session took place last night with the heats of the 100m, 800m, and 1500m, and the mens 10,000m final. Report on UKA here.

West Highland Way Race

8 months of training, 1 race, 95 miles, 14000 feet of climb, 1am start, 9.20pm finish. Hot conditions and 20 odd hours of headwind made the race just that little bit more testing, but everything came together on the day. My two support crews were fantastic and my low moments were very few and not that low!
Without doubt, the best run of my life! Came 15th in a time of 20 hours and 20 mins.
VERY stiff but no major damage (stairs are not something I look forward to at the moment).
The "high" should pass in the next month or so but I've got to get through a session on John's physio table tomorrow which could bring me down to earth with a bump!!!!!

Tebay Fell Race - Sat 19 June

A rather thin field of 50 turned up for this medium race in the Howgills on Saturday. Bit of a difference from last year when hundreds turned up due to it's English Championship status. I think the organiser will be reverting back to a Wednesday night for future years.

The weather was perfect for the 8 mile / 3000ft loop taking in the summits of Rispa Pike, Uldale Head, Linghaw and then up the notorious final climb to Blease fell before a long "fast" run back to the village of Tebay and the finish.

A handful of us travelled south for this and naturally we all did brilliantly. Unfortunately I am not as organised as Ste Heb when it comes to jotting down results but I can confirm that Q got his highest placing on the fells yet (I think) with 16th, I was 2nd lady after Lou Roberts, Hayley was 1st LV40 and Dave Burton (in his green vest rather than his yellow one) was 1st MV50. Well done to Siobhan, new lady member, who took to the fells for the first time as well. Oh and Alistair Dunn of Helm Hill was overall winner.

Sedbergh 3 Peaks Recce

Recce happening of the above this Wed. Depart Keswick 3.30pm, email me for more details if you're interested. jogillyon@yahoo.com